HI HB2284

Establishes the Hawaii Teacher Stipend Program administered by the Department of Education to provide stipends to University of Hawaii teacher education students who commit to teach in Hawaii public schools for five consecutive years, with preference given to those teaching in Hawaiian immersion schools.

Establishes the Hawaii Charter School Teacher Stipend Program administered by the State Public Charter School Commission with identical eligibility requirements and preference for Hawaiian immersion school teachers, requiring five years of service in public charter schools.

Requires stipend recipients who fail to complete their teacher education program or fulfill the five-year teaching requirement to repay a proportionate percentage of funds received, with the department and commission authorized to set repayment terms including hardship deferments or forgiveness.

Creates two special funds to receive legislative appropriations and repayment moneys from stipend recipients, to provide ongoing funding for the stipend programs and related costs.

Takes effect July 1, 2050, with appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2022-2023 (amounts left blank in the bill).